Shaun White, retired snowboarder and Olympic legend, is returning to the Winter Games. But instead of hitting the slopes, he’ll be an expert commentator for NBC.
MILAN, Metropolitan City of Milan — Four years after retiring from snowboarding, three-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White is returning to the Winter Games. He’s just not competing.
White, also known as “The Flying Tomato” because of his red hair, is a five-time Olympian who is tied for the most Olympic gold medals won by a snowboarder. He also previously had the world record title for earning the most gold medals at the X Games, but he was dethroned in 2024.
This year, the 39-year-old is returning to the Winter Games—just in a different role.
“This is all an exciting time for me, from announcing and being a part of the Olympics in this new way,” White told Olympics.com. “I am excited to take it all in. See the different events, like ice skating, skiing, half pipe, big air, obviously snowboarding. I’m just going try to see everything honestly, that’s my goal.”
White is joining the ranks as an expert commentator for NBC Sports and is expected to attend a wide range of events, including the Opening Ceremonies for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
He is returning alongside Snoop Dogg, who previously had a role in the Summer Olympics. White said he’s eager to work with the “Drop It Like It’s Hot” rapper.
“I’m trying to get Snoop,” White said. “Snoop on a snowboard is my goal. We need him on the board, and I’m going to try to do that.”
White also carried the Olympic torch through Milan where it was handed off so he could head to Livigno to watch snowboarding.